ATI RN
Ethics & Issues in Contemporary Nursing Questions
Question 1 of 9
A novice nurse notices a patient is pacing the floor and twisting his hands. When the nurse enters the room, the patient stares at her and mumbles, "Can't anyone understand what I want?" while smiling and reaching out to shake the nurse's hand. The nurse recognizes a risk for violence based on which clinical findings? (select all that apply)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because glaring at the nurse indicates potential aggression and hostility, which are red flags for violence risk. Glaring can be a non-verbal sign of anger or frustration, signaling a potential escalation. In contrast, nervousness and twisting of hands (choice B) may indicate anxiety or distress but not necessarily violence. Murmuring when talking (choice C) may suggest communication difficulties but does not directly indicate violence risk. Lastly, a diagnosis of a terminal illness (choice D) is not directly related to the immediate risk of violence in this scenario.
Question 2 of 9
Hospitals surveyed nurses who terminated their employment to determine why they chose to leave. One of the most common reasons for leaving was:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: that the nurse/patient ratio prevents safe care. This answer is correct because inadequate nurse/patient ratios have been consistently identified as a major factor contributing to nurse dissatisfaction and burnout. When nurses are responsible for too many patients, they are unable to provide safe and effective care, leading to increased stress and job dissatisfaction. Explanation of other choices: A: Decreased pay for alternative shifts: While decreased pay may be a concern for some nurses, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for leaving a position. C: Most facilities are choosing an all-RN staff, which decreases opportunities for advancement: While this may be a concern for some nurses, it is not as universally impactful as unsafe nurse/patient ratios. D: Agency and foreign nurses are favored by administration over full-time nursing staff: While favoritism may be an issue in some cases, it is not typically cited as one of the most common reasons for nurses leaving their employment.
Question 3 of 9
A patient's spouse was just diagnosed with lung cancer although there was no history of tobacco use. The spouse states, "I am so mad. How can you get cancer without smoking?" Which statement by the nurse represents empathy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it demonstrates empathy by acknowledging and validating the spouse's feelings of anger. By stating, "I understand how you could feel angry about the diagnosis," the nurse shows compassion and understanding towards the spouse's emotional response. This response helps to build trust and rapport with the patient's spouse during a difficult time. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses more on providing information rather than acknowledging the spouse's emotions. Choice C is incorrect as it does not address the spouse's feelings of anger and is not relevant to the situation. Choice D is incorrect as it comes across as confrontational and may make the spouse feel defensive.
Question 4 of 9
A new graduate desires a position in labor and delivery; however, no position is available. What is the best advice for this nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because it offers a practical solution. By accepting another nursing position and transferring to labor and delivery when a position is available, the nurse can gain experience, maintain employment, and potentially build a relationship with the organization. This approach shows flexibility and commitment. A: Continuing to study is important, but it may not guarantee a position in labor and delivery. B: Returning to college is unnecessary and may delay entering the workforce. D: Practicing skills in a simulation lab is beneficial, but it does not address the immediate need for employment in the desired field.
Question 5 of 9
During a search for the term informatics, when the nurse finds the domain ".edu," the site is affiliated with a(n):
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: educational institution. ".edu" domain is reserved for educational institutions in the United States, indicating that the website is affiliated with an educational organization. Government agencies typically use ".gov" domain (A), commercial sites use ".com" domain (B), and Internet service providers use ".net" domain (D). Therefore, the presence of ".edu" in the domain indicates that the site is associated with an educational institution.
Question 6 of 9
An RN is counseled by the nurse manager regarding inappropriate delegation when the:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because delegating the task of completing a plan of care to a float LPN/LVN for a stable patient is inappropriate. LPNs/LVNs have a different scope of practice compared to RNs and should not be assigned tasks related to developing care plans. This task requires critical thinking skills and assessment that are within the RN's scope of practice. A: A is incorrect because delegating the task of greeting and showing ambulatory surgery patients to their rooms is appropriate for a nursing assistant. B: B is incorrect because delegating the task of collecting a sputum specimen, once trained, is appropriate for a nursing assistant under the supervision of an RN. D: D is incorrect because delegating the task of performing a dressing change to a competent LPN/LVN is appropriate, as long as it falls within their scope of practice.
Question 7 of 9
An RN with excellent assessment and psychomotor skills would derive power on the basis of which source?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Expert. An RN with excellent assessment and psychomotor skills derives power from their expertise in the field. They are respected and trusted for their knowledge and abilities, giving them influence over others. Rewards (A) and coercion (B) are forms of power derived from external factors like incentives or threats, not skills. Legitimate power (D) comes from one's position or title, not necessarily from skills. In this case, the RN's power comes from their expertise, making choice C the most appropriate answer.
Question 8 of 9
The nurse who presents a class on different methods of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) differentiates between imagery and hypnosis in which of the following ways?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because it accurately differentiates between imagery and hypnosis. Imagery involves the patient formulating the impression in their mind, while hypnosis involves the hypnotist constructing the image for the patient. This is a key distinction as it highlights the active role of the patient in imagery compared to the more passive role in hypnosis. Choice A is incorrect because it inaccurately describes the process of hypnosis and imagery. Choice B is incorrect because both imagery and hypnosis can be performed by trained practitioners. Choice C is incorrect as both techniques can have varying durations of effectiveness, and it is not accurate to say that imagery only produces temporary well-being compared to hypnosis.
Question 9 of 9
A nurse takes a day to travel to a state park where she can sit by the river alone to reflect over recent events and put things into perspective. She recalls the time she was complimented for her ability to deal with a difficult patient and another time when she was criticized for lack of teamwork. This nurse is improving which source of energy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse is reflecting on her personal growth and finding meaning in her experiences, indicating a focus on values, purpose, and inner strength, which align with the spiritual source of energy. This choice is correct as it involves connecting with higher values and beliefs to find motivation and resilience. Emotional energy (choice A) focuses on feelings and expression, physical energy (choice C) relates to the body's vitality, and mental energy (choice D) pertains to cognitive abilities and focus. In this scenario, the nurse's focus is on introspection and personal growth rather than emotional, physical, or mental aspects, making choice B the most appropriate.